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I Ching · Hexagram 47 Oppression

Hexagram 47 for career: Oppression

Kùn · Career

Exhaustion and confinement: blocked, unheard, worn down. The reading advises against making your case now; it will not be heard. Keep your standards, conserve your strength, and let your conduct speak until words can again.

Water below, lake above: the water has drained out of the lake, leaving it dry. Oppression describes exhaustion, the state of being hemmed in and drained, the tree in the enclosure. The tradition's judgement is remarkable for its confidence: success, persistence, the great person brings good fortune, no blame. And then: when one has something to say, it is not believed. The reading says the situation is oppressive and that the way through is not argument, which no one will hear, but character: the wise person stakes their life on following their will. What cannot be changed outside is met by what cannot be broken inside.

Advice
Do not argue when you will not be believed; hold your will and your character, and endure.
Warning
Talking your way out of oppression fails; only steadiness of character carries through it.

The changing lines, read for career

If your cast of Hexagram 47 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a career question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 58 The Joyous

    One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing. Do not let exhaustion become despair; the gloom deepens by your own steps.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 45 Gathering Together

    Oppressed while at food and drink. The man with the red knee bands is just coming. It furthers to offer sacrifice. To set forth brings misfortune. No blame. Help is coming; wait for it, and do not strike out alone.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 28 Great Excess

    One lets oneself be oppressed by stone and leans on thorns and thistles. One enters the house and does not see the wife. Misfortune. Stop pushing the stone and leaning on thorns; you are exhausting yourself on what cannot help.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 29 The Abysmal

    One comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached. Come to help even if your position makes it slow and awkward.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 40 Deliverance

    Nose and feet cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers to offer sacrifice. You cannot act; compose yourself inwardly and relief comes softly.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 6 Conflict

    Oppressed by creeping vines. Moving uncertainly and saying that movement brings remorse. If one feels remorse over this and makes a start, good fortune comes. The bonds are weaker than they seem; regret the hesitation and move.

Hexagram 47 in fullLove & relationshipsMoneyA decision

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